ISEE Middle Level Reading Comprehension

This subject focuses on developing reading comprehension skills necessary for success on the ISEE Middle Level exam.

Understanding Main IdeasRecognizing Supporting DetailsMaking Inferences
Analyzing Author’s Purpose and ToneUnderstanding Vocabulary in ContextDistinguishing Fact from Opinion
Applying Reading Skills to Everyday LifeUsing Comprehension Strategies for Group ProjectsSolving Problems with Critical Reading
Previewing and SkimmingEliminating Wrong Answers
Understanding Main I...Recognizing Supporti...Making InferencesAnalyzing Author’s P...Understanding Vocabu...Distinguishing Fact ...Applying Reading Ski...Using Comprehension ...Solving Problems wit...Previewing and Skimm...Eliminating Wrong An...
Basic Concepts

Making Inferences

Reading Between the Lines

Sometimes, authors don't tell you everything directly. Inferences are educated guesses you make based on clues in the text and your own knowledge.

How to Make Inferences

  • Look for hints: Does the author give clues about how someone feels or what might happen next?
  • Combine clues with what you know: Use your experience to fill in gaps.
  • Ask yourself: "What is the author suggesting here?"

Why This Skill Is Important

Good readers are like detectives, putting together clues to understand the full story—even when it's not said outright.

Practice Tip

Try to predict what will happen next in a story or how a character is feeling, then look for clues in the text to support your guess.

Examples

  • A character shivering and pulling on a coat suggests it's cold, even if the word 'cold' isn't used.

  • If a student hides a test paper, you might infer they're unhappy with their grade.

In a Nutshell

Use clues from the passage and your knowledge to understand what's not directly stated.

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Analyzing Author’s Purpose and Tone